10-08-2012, 02:49 PM
Quote:our juniors weren't good enough.
That is a loaded accusation and one you seem always too make when anyone suggests that our juniors could do better. Having potential is simply not enough - I have no doubts that were our juniors based in certain other countries in which chess is better funded they would be stronger players and score better at worlds/juniors.
The fact is that very few players have made 50% at these events, or finished in the top half of the draw, and most pick up their points in the bottom third of the draw.
Now it could well be argued that that is good enough, and for individuals it may well represent a big personal achievement and something to be really proud of. Thats fine and I am not knocking any individuals, but we surely want to find some system that will in time raise the standards of scottish juniors as a whole over time so that in future we are sending players with an expectation of being more competitive than they are now.
Unless you are willing to face your weaknesses how can you hope to devise a plan to correct them?